If you are craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, you’ve found the perfect match in this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of crisp vegetables, creamy feta, briny olives, and perfectly al dente rotini pasta, all dressed in a tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette. Whether you want a light lunch, a colorful side for a barbecue, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this salad combines simplicity and taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the tender rotini pasta that soaks up the dressing to the fresh vegetables that add a crisp pop, these components are simple yet essential.
- 10 oz. rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds the dressing beautifully for every forkful.
- 8 oz. block Feta cheese (cut into cubes): Creamy and tangy, it adds that signature Greek salad richness.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy, they brighten the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1 English cucumber (diced): Adds cool crunch and freshness to balance the feta’s saltiness.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced and drained): Introduces bold, briny notes essential for that authentic taste.
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a mild sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- ½ cup olive oil: The base of the dressing, it lends smoothness and richness.
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar: Adds the bright acidity needed to balance the salad.
- 2 tsp. honey (optional): A touch of sweetness that smooths out the tangy flavors.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced): Infuses a subtle savory depth into the dressing.
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier and adds a mild kick.
- ¼ tsp. each dried oregano, parsley, and basil: These herbs bring earthiness and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- â…› tsp. black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package directions. The goal is al dente—cooked through but still firm enough to hold texture after chilling. Once drained, rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. Drain well so your salad doesn’t become soggy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
The dressing is what ties the entire Greek Pasta Salad Recipe together. Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a mason jar or blender. Shake or blend vigorously for 10-20 seconds until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, harmonious mix bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Toss Pasta with Dressing
Pour this vibrant dressing over your cooled pasta and toss thoroughly until every piece of rotini is coated with that zesty, herbaceous goodness. This step ensures that every bite of pasta sings with Mediterranean flair.
Step 4: Add Fresh Vegetables and Feta
Now, fold in the cubed feta cheese, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss until everything is just combined so the ingredients don’t break apart but flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe immediately for those who love fresh, crisp textures or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop even more deeply. Either way, this salad is a standout on any table.
How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh sprigs of parsley or a sprinkle of additional crushed oregano to brighten the salad just before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side also lets guests add an extra zing if they wish.
Side Dishes
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork skewers, or even falafel for a vegetarian feast. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread or served as part of a larger Mediterranean mezze spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of leafy greens. Mason jars layered with ingredients can make portable, eye-catching lunch options. The vibrant colors of this salad naturally draw the eye and whet the appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, though best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and bite of the feta.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended for this salad—it can alter the texture and flavor unfavorably. Fresh is definitely best here.
Reheating
This dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer, let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the chill from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the dressing, farfalle or penne would also work beautifully.
Is this salad vegan?
The salad includes feta cheese, so it is not vegan as is. You can substitute with a plant-based feta alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I prepare the salad the night before?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead or even the night before allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What if I don’t like olives?
Feel free to leave out the Kalamata olives or substitute with mild black olives if preferred—this salad is versatile.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
Adding a bit more Dijon mustard or reducing the amount of olive oil slightly can help thicken the dressing to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is my go-to when I want something that’s both easy and packed with fresh, bold flavors. It’s colorful, satisfying, and always draws compliments from family and friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—grab those ingredients and dive in for a delightful Mediterranean escape on your plate!
Print
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring rotini pasta tossed with a tangy homemade dressing, cubes of creamy Feta cheese, crisp vegetables, and Kalamata olives. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side dish, it combines Mediterranean flavors with a simple yet satisfying preparation.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz. rotini pasta
Vegetables and Cheese
- 8 oz. block Feta cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 English cucumber (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced and drained)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp. dried oregano
- ¼ tsp. dried parsley
- ¼ tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste)
- â…› tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare dressing: In a mason jar or blender, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Shake or blend for 10-20 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss pasta with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cooked pasta in the bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add vegetables and cheese: Add the cubed Feta cheese, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressed pasta.
- Combine ingredients: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to break up the Feta cheese too much. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
- Serve or chill: Serve the Greek pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to enjoy it chilled. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the Feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra freshness.
- You can swap rotini pasta for other small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Honey in the dressing is optional but helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
